Two years into the National Service (NS) programme, five deaths had occurred in different training camps throughout the country.

This scenario has prompted concerned citizens to request the government to re-think this national plan of getting young Malaysians together for the purpose of instilling discipline and a sense of patriotism in them.

Chang Lih Kang, Suaram coordinator said that the five deaths had proved that the NS programme has brought more harm than good to the youths.

"I think it is wrong to brush aside those incidents as mere unfortunate or isolated cases. Tell that to the families of the trainees who lost their lives.

"Those who died tragically will be happily alive with their families today if they did not participate in the NS," he said when contacted.

The five who died

The latest NS fatality was S Theresa Pauline who succumbed to viral infection while undergoing training at the Karisma camp in Malacca.

In April last year, Awang Mohamed Fazil Awang Borhan drowned while swimming with other trainees at Sungai Cina, Matang, Kuching. He was based in Simalajau camp in Bintulu.

In May last year, trainee T Saravanan also drowned during a picnic at Sungai Taman Wangi in Kelantan. He was based at the Ethnobotany camp in Gua Musang.

In the same month, trainee Nurul Ashikin Karino died after falling sick. There were allegations that she was not given proper medical attention and that she was requested to continue training which eventually led to her death.

In April this year, Haziq Jaafar was beaten to death by other trainees in a fight over cigarettes while serving his NS training in the Agro-tourism camp, Kluang, Johor.

Asked for her comments, Hakam secretary-general Elizabeth Wong said it was unfortunate that there were little discussion and planning involving the public on the implementation of the NS programme.

She felt that the trainers themselves were not professionally trained and not equipped with skills needed for the programme.

"This could indirectly cause the tragic incidents which put an end to five young lives," Wong said, adding that "young people should not be dying and the government should take good care of them."

Lam Thye keeps mum

Meanwhile, Lee Huat Seng, secretary of international affairs of DEMA (Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement) said the government should hold regular public forums in order to allow the public to understand the NS programme better.

This would also enable parents to contribute their input which may be of benefit to the programme, he said.

Lee also questioned the 'quality' of trainers, saying that they may not be professional nor capable enough to carry out their NS duties.

National Service Training Council Lee Lam Thye ( photo, above ) declined to comment when asked for his thoughts on the death of the five NS trainees.